Family members are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the United States. In recognition of their hard work and the important role they play in the lives of others, November has been designated National Family Caregivers Month.
In Jefferson County, more than 35% of residents aged 60 and older have a disability. So it’s no surprise that, in our area, there is a very high need for caregiver services, said Valarie Lawson, the Alabama Cares Coordinator for the United Way Area Agency on Aging (UWAAA).
While nearly half of all caregivers in the United States are age 50 and older, many are also still in the workforce. Many are often thrust suddenly into the role of caregiving, which can be jarring. Then working to balance a job and the medical needs of a loved one — and paying neighbors or sitters when they can’t be with their family member – can take a significant mental, physical and financial toll on caregivers.
“Maybe this is not what they planned for in their later years. They didn’t really foresee having to be a caregiver,” Lawson said. “But if someone has a stroke or a fall or a heart attack, then suddenly, that person needs a caregiver.”
Given this great need in our community, UWAAA and its Alabama Cares program offer comprehensive support for family caregivers. This includes temporary help for respite care, supplemental nutrition, basic assistive devices and a connection for additional support from the Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network. Learn more here.
The people at the Area Agency on Aging also understand the challenges and stress that caregivers must endure. They often have many of the same or similar problems, questions and concerns. To help deal with these issues constructively, UWAAA offers monthly support groups, providing an opportunity for caregivers to gather and share the joys and pains of taking care of their loved ones. They exchange stories and information, express their feelings and learn from one another.
“A lot of times they’ll come in, and once they get started talking about what’s been going on, they’ll laugh, cry and pray,” Lawson said. “They do all those things together.”
All too often, family caregiving is overlooked as a real job. But this month, Lawson said, offers a time to let family caregivers know they are appreciated. “Caregivers often don’t have anyone telling them, ‘You’re doing the best you can,’ which I think is important,” Lawson said. “We hear you, we see you and you don’t have to do it all by yourself.”
If you need supportive services related to caregiving, call 1-800-AGE-LINE or visit the UWAAA website. To learn more about how United Way of Central Alabama provides Senior Support in Jefferson County and across Central Alabama, click here.